#12128 Ramon Casas i Carbo (1866-1932)

The composition presents a woman within what appears to be a private bathroom setting. She is positioned in profile, her gaze directed downwards and away from the viewer, contributing to a sense of introspection or perhaps modesty. The figure is draped in a loose-fitting white gown, which clings subtly to her form, revealing hints of the body beneath. Her hair is styled in an elaborate updo, suggesting a degree of formality even within this intimate space.
The artist has employed a muted palette dominated by shades of green and white. The walls are painted a pale olive green, while the light filtering through the window casts a soft glow upon the scene. This illumination highlights the textures of the gown and skin, creating a sense of volume and depth. A significant portion of the composition is occupied by the window itself, its Venetian blinds casting linear shadows across the wall, adding visual complexity and reinforcing the feeling of enclosure.
To the right stands a copper boiler or water heater, an element that firmly grounds the scene in a domestic interior. The presence of this functional object introduces a layer of realism, contrasting with the idealized depiction of the woman. A washbasin is visible to the left, partially obscured by the figure’s position, and a towel hangs on a hook near the window.
The subtexts within the painting revolve around themes of privacy, femininity, and domesticity. The womans averted gaze and loose attire suggest vulnerability and an awareness of being observed, even though the viewer is positioned as an unseen presence. The setting itself – a private bathroom – implies intimacy and a moment of solitude. The inclusion of the boiler hints at modernity and technological advancement within the home, while also subtly emphasizing the mundane aspects of daily life. Overall, the work evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and understated elegance, inviting reflection on the complexities of personal space and identity.